Mother pulled out clumps of woman’s hair during ‘vicious, unprovoked’ attack in Northampton

Callum Jones

Victim has been left with deep psychological scars as a result of attack

Judge imposed a prison sentence of 18 months, suspended for two years

A 44-year-old mother who repeatedly smashed a woman’s head on the pavement during a “vicious, frenzied and unprovoked” attack in Northampton has avoided a jail sentence by the “skin of her teeth”.

Annette Gladstone, of Crowthorp Road, Rectory Farm, Northampton, pulled out clumps of her victim’s hair and kicked her after she had punched her to the floor in Kingsley Park Terrace.

You have escaped custody by the skin of your teeth. I was fully prepared to send you to prison but I believe this is the best way forward for society.

Judge Lynn Tayton

Northampton Crown Court heard the pair had been part of a group of friends who had been drinking in the White Elephant pub on November 25 last year.

Shortly before midnight the group decided to get a taxi, however not all of the group could fit in the vehicle so the victim decided to get out and call another cab.

Catherine Howell, prosecuting, said Gladstone then launched a completely unprovoked attack on the woman, punching her to the floor.

CCTV footage played in court showed how Gladstone grabbed her victim by the hair and repeatedly pushed her head against the pavement.

Gladstone then aims a kick at the woman as she is pulled away from her by other members of the group.

Ms Howell said the victim suffered bruising to her forehead and both eyes and had to have a brain scan after she was taken to Northampton General Hospital. The woman also suffered hair loss and bruising to her pelvic bone.

When Gladstone was arrested by officers she was found splattered with blood and in a “heavily intoxicated” state.

A victim impact statement read to court stated the woman had suffered severe psychological effects as a result of the attack.

The statement read: “I have problems sleeping as I keep replaying the incident in my mind.

“I realise now I was lucky not to receive more serious injuries and how bad things could have been.

“I don’t believe I have been the same person since the attack. I have suffered a loss of confidence and I don’t socialise as much.”

Judge Lynn Tayton described the incident as a “vicious, frenzied and uncontrolled” attack that was “completely unprovoked”.

However, Judge Tayton decided to impose a suspended prison sentence after hearing that Gladstone had a teenage son and had no previous convictions.

Gladstone was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. She must also complete a three-month alcohol treatment programme and was given an eight-month curfew from 7pm to 7am, which will be monitored by an electronic tag.

She must pay the victim compensation of £200, which will be taken from her benefits as she is currently unemployed.

Judge Tayton said: “I believe this is the best way of marking this offence and provides some sort of treatment for you to prevent this from happening ever again.

“You have escaped custody by the skin of your teeth. I was fully prepared to send you to prison but I believe this is the best way forward for society rather than you.”

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